Born in the year 2000 by the well known Bavarian car manufacturer the E46 M3 is iconic among the car enthusiasts. One year later the convertible version came out and in 2003 the track based version, the much more expensive M3 CSL. Based on the series model, the regular E46 M3, came with a 3.2L inline-six engine that produced 343 hp at 7900 rpm( European version ) and 365 Nm torque (Eurpean version). The litric power of the M3 (105 hp / liter) was fabulous for a normally aspired engine, surpassed only by supercars . Putting all that power to the ground through it's rear wheel based traction the German bullet could get you to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, this 3 series on steroids sparked the love in car enthusiast's hearts immediately at that time. At about 40000 Euro it was not cheap at all for a car that had the design of a regular 3 series that got to the gym and stick a lot of M badges on it.
Fans that bought it at that time knew very well what these badges meant. Besides the interior options that you could get in a regular 3 series BMW has developed new chairs with an extremely high ergonomic level, but also with exceptional lateral support. In addition to electrically adjustable seats, the interior of the new BWM M3 E46 has a distinct note that you could not resist. Even now, 17 years after the official launch, the interior of the M3 E46 impresses with the quality of the details and the way it makes you feel.
The BMW M3 E46 also brought a new world premiere, namely the appearance of the variable lock M. While classic differentials can transmit a different level of power to each wheel by measuring the torque that reaches each wheel, the variable differential M measures the difference between the rotational speeds of the two wheels on the rear axle. This difference is offset by the "sliding" system so that the traction force is at an optimum level. This system has a wheel lock of 0 to 100%.
The Bavarian sports coupe aged very well as keeping the passion alive among it' owners and a price tag of about 30000 Euro.
Searching on mobile.de, the biggest online market in Germany, some very well maintained M3 models can be found waiting for it's next owner to come. Comparing the price of a M3 E46 with the E92 M3 you will see that the newer model is to be found at the same price or even cheaper. The better quality and reliability of the older M3 kept it's price higher and made it a better value for the money. Fans of the M3 not only created fan clubs around the world, but starting tuning it. From Ac Schnitzer in Germany to horsepowerfreaks across the Ocean, the German sports car received a lot of love, attention and hundreds of extra horsepower from the well known tuners.
Nowadays some M powered coupes like the new 1 series can reach easily the performance of the old M3, but that doesn't mean anything for the fans that polish their iconic E46 every Sunday and drive it to car shows around the world. That 3.2L inline-six with it's unique exhaust sound system, the muscular design and the unique driving experience got all the deserved love.
The BMW M3 E46 was a blast when it came out and will attract eyes in the years to come for sure. We will find it on the race track, on the German autobahn, on US highway and at all the car shows all over the world even after ten or fifteen years. A sports car that gained the love of many BMW fans throughout the years will not be forget that easy keeping the E46 passion alive.
a wannabe e46 m :))
